Crispy Five-Spice Tofu with Black Bean Relish

Name: Crispy Five-Spice Tofu with Black Bean Relish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 16 oz. extra-firm tofu, drained; 2 Tbs. roasted sesame oil, divided; 3 Tbs. fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.); 1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger; 2 Tbs. dry sherry or mirin (rice wine); 1 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce; 1 Tbs. maple syrup; 1 tsp. rice or cider vinegar; 1/4 cup plus 1/2 tsp. cornstarch, divided; 2 green onions, sliced (about 1/4 cup); 1 Tbs. five-spice powder

Servings: persons

16 oz. extra-firm tofu, drained
2 Tbs. roasted sesame oil, divided
3 Tbs. fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.)
1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
2 Tbs. dry sherry or mirin (rice wine)
1 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbs. maple syrup
1 tsp. rice or cider vinegar
1/4 cup plus 1/2 tsp. cornstarch, divided
2 green onions, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1 Tbs. five-spice powder

1
Place tofu on plate, and set second plate on top.
2
Weight with heavy can, and drain 30 minutes.
3
Heat 1 Tbs.
4
oil in skillet over medium heat.
5
Add black beans, garlic and ginger, and saute 1 minute.
6
Stir in sherry, soy sauce, maple syrup and vinegar, and cook 1 minute.
7
Mix 1/2 tsp.
8
cornstarch with 1/2 cup water in bowl.
9
Add to bean mixture, and cook 1 minute, or until thickened, stirring constantly.
10
Fold in green onions, and transfer to bowl.
11
Slice tofu into thirds widthwise.
12
Cut each slice into 4 triangles.
13
Combine cornstarch and five-spice powder on large plate.
14
Heat remaining 1 Tbs.
15
oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
16
Dredge tofu triangles in cornstarch mixture.
17
Cook 3 minutes on each side, or until browned and crispy.
18
Transfer to serving plate, and drizzle with black bean sauce.
19
Serve with steamed rice, if desired.

693

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 16 oz. extra-firm tofu, drained, 2 Tbs. roasted sesame oil, divided, 3 Tbs. fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.), and more.

Yes, Crispy Five-Spice Tofu with Black Bean Relish falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!